Haughey: Subject of parliamentary debate

Irish Parliament to Debate Haughey Report

The report of the McCracken tribunal into payments made to politicians by the former stores chain boss Benn Dunne is being published in Dublin on Monday.

In line with a pledge to recall the Dail ahead of its scheduled resumption at the end of next month, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, has indicated the parliament would meet for two days, on September 10 and 11.

The dates and format of the recall are expected to be agreed by the government and opposition party whips in Dublin next week.

The tribunal, headed by High Court judge Mr Justice Brian McCracken, is expected to direct strong criticism at four-times-premier Mr Haughey, but stop short of recommending any action against him.

It is also anticipated that the Irish revenue commissioners will be investigating Mr Haughey's affairs.

The inquiry was established after reports that another former minister, Michael Lowry, had received more than £200,000 from Mr Dunne. Subsequently, it was learned that other politicians, including Mr Haughey while in office, had been given payments.

Mr Haughey reversed previous denials about receiving money when he appeared before the tribunal. Later he was booed by a crowd as he left the Dublin Castle venue of the inquiry.

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